3XN appointed to new Sydney Fish Market Design project

Rita Bila

We’re going full speed ahead with the City of Sydney’s face-lift and the latest in the mix is the much needed new Sydney Fish Market. UrbanGrowth NSW announced the appointment of 3XN – one of Europe’s leading architectural firms which has been chosen to design the new $250m-plus re-imagined Sydney Fish Market as the centre-piece of the proposed Bays Market District.

They will lead a design consortium that includes its innovation arm GXN in charge of sustainability, BVN as executive architect, Aspect Studios as landscape architect and WallnerWeiss as public art specialist, on Sunday 25 June 2017.

the new Sydney Fish Market by 3XN.

“The brief is to rejuvenate Sydney Fish Market and create a world class food and dining destination on the inner harbour that will be dynamic, sustainable, and sympathetic to the local area,” said UrbanGrowth NSW Head of Projects Portfolio, Barry Mann.

3XN Architects Creative Director and Founding Partner Kim Herforth Nielsen said the project is a major win for his company.

“We are incredibly excited to be working with UrbanGrowth NSW and Sydney Fish Market to create not just an authentic fish market, but an iconic destination for Australia,” Mr Nielsen said.

“We place people at the centre of any architectural response, with an emphasis on place-making to foster a strong sense of community.”

Wanda Vista Hotel. Image by Bloom Images

3XN Architects in a Copenhagen-based studio with more than 30 years’ experience. At the core of 3XN’s design philosophy is the principle that architecture, if done right, can shape behaviour. This happens through careful analysis of the site, the surrounding buildings and the client aspirations. Among 3XNs high profile projects are The Blue Planet (National Aquarium) (2013), Royal Arena (2017), in Copenhagen, Museum of Liverpool (2011), Quay Quarter Tower (2020) in Sydney. 3XN have had a presence in Sydney for more than three years and the Sydney Fish Market is the company’s third project in the city.

Sydney Fish Market General Manager Bryan Skepper said,

“Danish designers delivered the iconic Sydney Opera House and we have great expectations that the Danes will deliver again with an iconic new Sydney Fish Market. We’re inspired by 3XN’s credentials and are excited to work with them to see our redevelopment vision come to life.”

Dhub is also excited at the prospect of yet another opportunity to see the work of the award winning Danish team who have adapted their work to the waterfront much like Danish architect Jørn Utzon, designer of our iconic landmark.

Without a doubt Sydney is having one of its most productive periods in architecture and despite some apprehension the city is engaging in public consultation and engagement in the process while also attracting the interest of internationally known and respected architectural firms.

A number of high profile projects have been announced for the Sydney Central District including the design of the Quay Quarter By 3XN, Foster & Partners with their design project – Duo, in Chippendale, Crone and Kengo Kuma & Associates is designing Darling Exchange and Wanda Vista Hotel, Make Architects is designing Wynyard Place and the interior of the Opera House Towers, and the new Pontiac Group hotel on Bridge Street, SANAA is designing Sydney Modern and finally Renzo Piano Building Workshop is designing One Sydney Harbour. All of these projects will be completed by 2024.

An artist’s impression of the Kengo Kuma centrepiece at Darling Square. Courtesy of ASPECT Studios

No doubt 3XN will deliver on the promise of a rejuvinated fish market that will be engaging and human centred.

Sydney Fish Market General Manager Bryan Skepper said,

“Sydney Fish Market is a beloved institution among Sydneysiders, Australians and international visitors. Therefore, it was integral to select a design team that will modernise and improve the site whilst recognising its longstanding heritage and retaining the authentic experience that attracts customers and visitors”.

UrbanGrowth NSW expects to have a draft design released for public comment later in the year and aims to commence construction in late 2018.